At Pak Health Centre, we understand that sometimes there may be confusion surrounding why GPs occasionally charge fees for certain services. Here are some commonly asked questions to provide clarity:
- Isn’t the NHS supposed to be free? While the NHS provides most healthcare free of charge, there are exceptions. Prescription charges have been in place since 1951, and some services incur fees to cover costs or because they’re not covered by the NHS, such as medical reports for insurance companies.
- Surely the doctor is being paid anyway? GPs are self-employed and have to cover their own costs, including staff, buildings, and utilities. While the NHS covers costs for NHS work, fees for non-NHS services help cover the doctor’s expenses.
- What is covered by the NHS and what is not? The Government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients, but GPs may also be involved in non-medical work. Examples of services for which fees may be charged include accident/sickness insurance certificates and private medical insurance reports.
- Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form? Completing forms and reports takes time away from patient care. With heavy workloads, GPs often have to dedicate evenings and weekends to paperwork, impacting their availability for medical care.
- What will I be charged? Fees vary depending on the service provided. We aim to inform patients of charges in advance, and the BMA provides suggested fee lists that many doctors use as a reference.
- What can I do to help? Not all documents require a doctor’s signature, and you can ask another trusted individual to sign them. Presenting multiple forms at once may also reduce costs. Urgent requests may incur additional charges due to special arrangements needed.
Here are some examples of fees for common services provided at Pak Health Centre:
- Certificates/Claim Forms
- Simple Certificate: £30.00
- Private Sick Note: £30.00
- Holiday Cancellation Certificate: £40.00
- Vaccinations
- ACWY-Meningitis: £50 with Certificate
- Hepatitis B (per vaccination): £20.00
- Reports/Medical Examinations
- Employer’s Report and Opinion – Fit to Work: From £100.00
- Standard Medical Examination (30 mins): £120.00
- Holiday and Travel Vaccines
- Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Tetanus: Free
At Pak Health Centre, we aim to provide transparent and quality healthcare services while ensuring fair and reasonable charges for additional services. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated as we strive to meet your healthcare needs effectively.